Five things we learnt from Crawley Town's season

After an up and down season for Crawley Town, which saw them threatened by relegation before mounting a play-off challenge, I assess five things we have learnt from Harry Kewell's first year in charge.

Kewell is the right man

With little managerial and low league experience prior to taking the job, questions were asked when Harry Kewell was appointed as manager of a team among the favourites to be relegated to the National League.

However with the pedigree of a Champions League winners’ medal to his name, after a playing career at the highest level, the former winger has instilled an exciting, attacking mentality into the Reds which has won over the doubting fans - although that didn’t happen overnight.

Josh Yorwerth has caught the eye for Crawley Town this year

Crawley made a desperately slow start to the season, winning just four of their first 18 games, and found themselves as low as 21st in November following a 4-0 thrashing at Wycombe. This was the lowest point of the season for the Reds, with this heavy defeat sparking an angry reaction from some restless away fans who were confronted by Kewell following the full-time whistle.

It seemed time was up for the Australian, but he turned it around dramatically in the following three months, guiding the Reds up to ninth place after 11 wins from 16 games, breaking club records in the process.

This upturn in form was a testament to the style of play, positivity and most of all patience instilled by the boss, who found himself linked with League One Charlton Athletic in March.

However, he rubbished such talk by expressing his desire to ‘take Crawley to the Premier League’ which can only excite fans, whilst also epitomising his outstanding positivity and desire to make a name for himself as a manager and take a lower-league club to the highest level.

Crawley Town v Crewe Alexandra. Harry Kewell Pic Steve Robards SR1811801 SUS-180428-155858001

Kewell has repeatedly stressed all season that it will take time to evolve and adapt to his methods and fans are now starting to see significant progress, despite their form dropping off at the end of the season.

The players evidently have trust in each other’s ability and there is a real sense of togetherness in the squad, bringing new found belief and confidence around the whole club and if they can keep it up, there is no limit to what Crawley can achieve.